The Territorials: The History of the Territorial and Volunteer Forces of New Zealand

Citizen soldiering has been part of our history since the first years of colonial settlement. From the early militias set up in the 1830s, primarily for internal security, right up to the current day, everyday men and women have been trained and ready to serve in the Boer War, the Great War, World War II and many other military engagements. The shape and purpose of the volunteer and territorial armies has changed over the years, but is marked throughout by bravery, adventure and initiative. This extensive and authoritative history of the territorial and volunteer forces of New Zealand is packed with over 400 images, detailing the many significant people who have served this country.

Author description

John Crawford is the New Zealand Defence Force Historian and has written on many aspects of the history of the New Zealand Armed Forces and defence policy. His most recent major publication is The Devil's Own War an edition of the First World War Diary of Brigadier-General Herbert Hart. His other books include: New Zealand's Great War: New Zealand, the Allies and the First World War, edited with Ian McGibbon, To Fight for the Empire: An Illustrated History of New Zealand and the South African War, 1899-1902 and Kia Kaha: New Zealand in the Second World War. Peter Cooke is a post-graduate from Massey University and an independent historian specialising in military history and industrial heritage. In 2000 he wrote and published the 3-volume work Defending New Zealand - Ramparts on the Sea 1840-1950s, which has become the base reference on home defence efforts. He edits the journal of the Defence of New Zealand Study Group and organizes annual field trips to sites of interest within NZ. He has documented pioneering New Zealand armoured vehicles and African mine-proof vehicle technologies, and delved into Shell Oil NZ Ltd, Wellington Returned and Services Assn and the capital's waterworks engineering. He helped edit No Better Death - The Great War Diaries of William G Malone in 2005. Peter wrote much of Auckland Infantry, the story of 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion RNZIR (2011). Works under production are the official corps history of the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1942-96 and the first account of Compulsory Military Training and National Service (1950-72). Peter lives in Wellington with Carol, Arthur and Florence and is actively involved with his community.